Site Search Navigation

Site Navigation

Site Mobile Navigation

Q&A: Moving From PC to Mac

By J.d. Biersdorfer August 6, 2012 12:00 pmAugust 6, 2012 12:00 pm

Q.

I know you can use the Windows Easy Transfer software to move your files and settings from an older Windows computer to a new Windows PC, but will it work for transferring files from a PC to a new Mac?

A.

Windows Easy Transfer is intended for transferring files between Windows-based machines, but you have other options for a Mac move. For an automated approach, Apple has its own Windows Migration Assistant for Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) and the new OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion).

The free program, which works with Windows XP and later, can be downloaded from Apple’s Web site. The PC and the Mac involved should be on the same network and you need the password for the administrator accounts for both computers.

Once installed on the old PC, the Windows Migration Assistant opens automatically. The program can move e-mail accounts from several Windows mail programs to the Mac’s built-in Mail program. Outlook calendars are transferred to the iCal program on the Mac. Addresses from common Windows programs are moved to Mac’s Address Book.

The Migration Assistant transfers Home directory content from the PC like photos, music and documents as well as an iTunes library (if you have iTunes on the PC). Browser bookmarks are also copied over. Apple has details on using the Windows Migration Assistant.

What's Next

About

Gadgetwise is a blog about everything related to buying and using tech products. From figuring out which gadget to buy and how to get the best deal on it to configuring it once it’s out of the box, Gadgetwise offers a mix of information, analysis and opinion to help you get the most out of your personal tech.